I am going to post a great big fat "My first few weeks as a real teacher" entry as soon as I can, but I just have not been able to get around to that yet. Thus, I am copying an essay that I wrote for my Strategic Reading classes as an example of something they are working on for a project...they are supposed to write Compare/Contrast essays on how they see themselves v. how others see them, and I told them I would never give them an assignment that I would not be willing to do myself, and they needed some clarification. Thus, I like the way it turned out, and I will share:
A. Lind
September 9, 2009
Strategic Reading 1st/2nd Block
NCSCS Objectives: 1.01, 6.01, 6.02
Compare and Contrast Essay: “I See Inside Myself; You See My Mirror”
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew exactly who I was and what I wanted to be called; my name was always Abigail, and always will be Abigail. I do not go by Abby; that’s not my name and I will never allow anyone to pretend that it is. Abigail means “Source of Joy,” and that name means a lot to me, so I strive to live that out, but I often wonder if other people see me as I see myself.
The way that I see myself is based upon the situations that have occurred in my life thus far. I believe that I am intelligent because I always worked hard in school, and now I am a teacher. I also see myself as very outgoing because I usually make friends easily and I can entertain a crowd by telling a quick-witted story (which could also be due to my background in theater and gymnastics). Furthermore, I think that my best characteristic is my ability to laugh in any situation, and the fact that I have a very unusual laugh only adds to the joy that I hope it brings to the people around me. I was voted “most humorous” by my class when I was a senior in High School, so this ability has been revealed to me on multiple occasions. Thus, the way I see myself is sometimes the same but sometimes different from the way that others see me.
When other people look at me, they see a young woman who is small in stature but loud in voice. I think that my laugh is often the first thing that many people notice about me, so in that regard, others can see the joy that I know I have within me. However, there are many things about me that other people do not know. I often get sidetracked into believing that I am not smart enough or not good enough at certain things, which I think is something that many people struggle with but are not willing to admit. People look at me and assume things that may never be true, but how will they ever know until they truly form a relationship with me? I desire that everyone gets to know me as I attempt to know them, because relationships are difficult as people are difficult to understand. When I look in the mirror I know what’s beyond the face, but do other people have any idea? If we all make efforts to dig deeper, maybe we will all find out more about each other that we never knew existed, and that is what brings joy to my heart.
That's all for now, folks.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Riches of Grace, in "Blessings" or Sorrow
I just consumed a bowl of raisin bran for an almost-midnight snack. Lovely!
Since it is almost midnight, it is also a perfect time for me to do some thinking and analyzing. Recently, a lot of things have changed in my life. I have started to rent my own apartment (with a great roomie of course!), bought my own furniture (for the first time in my life I'll be sleeping on a FULL bed, not just a twin!), and slowly had the realization that this is a "real" job, and this is my "new" life. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time that my emotions are in a whirlwind and I've fallen almost flat because my mind has so many intersections. What is is going to be like when I'm "on my own"? (Yes, at this point you can begin singing the beautiful song from Les Mis, I'll join right in.)
Something that has struck me as interesting in my thought process is the idea of being "blessed." I have struggled a lot with that term recently because I just don't know what people mean when they say it, to be honest. Do I even know what I mean when I'm saying it?
Some Christians who came through my line at Food Lion this summer would quickly pass a tract to me and tell me to "have a blessed day;" I've seen people cry "God bless America" loudly on the streets of NYC; and "I am blessed" is a tune that we could all get stuck in our heads...but are these terms one and the same? Do we really know what we're throwing around?
The scriptures speak often of the Lord's chosen as a "blessed people," but I don't think that means he gives them whatever they want (and when they have what they want, they call themselves "blessed" as if they did something worthy of being blessed). [If you go to studylight.org and do a search on "blessed people" or "chosen people," you're likely to come up with many verses.] Basically, we're not worthy of being blessed ever, and that's why it's called a blessing--it's a special favor or act of mercy to us--those who deserve no mercy--those who are chosen, because we could not choose right on our own. [Grace is so beautiful--how could I ever forget that His goodness really makes no sense because it is so undeserved on our part?]
What I'm saying is that we should not say we're blessed just when everything is fancy dancy. Of course I know I'm blessed to have a job and a new apartment and supportive friends and family and church, but what about the believers and people everywhere who have no job, no home, no community, no food? Are they cursed because they did something to deserve wrath for the day? I would like to say no, because the Lord's ways are so much higher than mine. And when I think about all that I have right now--this job, etc.--I realize how undeserving that I am. I am not entitled to anything that I've been given, and it doesn't make sense why I've been given these things right now; but for some reason, I have. And I will use them for His glory. My own fame is worthless in the sight of the brightness of The Light of the Son. And so, I am blessed when I am flying high or in the depths of despair. It still doesn't make perfect sense to me, but it never ceases to make me see how deep/wide/beautiful the riches of His grace are, even when we don't feel outwardly "blessed." Because the gospel is not about comfort and worldly riches. If it were, there would be no grace at all because we would have no need of it. So thanks be to God for the glory in which he shows himself through grace--whether it be in our outward blessings or the beauty of knowing that a soul is rich in Jesus. What else have we need of?
Thus, I hope to be more careful in the way that I view a blessing, because I'm blessed in beauty or ashes. Still, my soul will seek Jesus. I need nothing more.
Since it is almost midnight, it is also a perfect time for me to do some thinking and analyzing. Recently, a lot of things have changed in my life. I have started to rent my own apartment (with a great roomie of course!), bought my own furniture (for the first time in my life I'll be sleeping on a FULL bed, not just a twin!), and slowly had the realization that this is a "real" job, and this is my "new" life. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time that my emotions are in a whirlwind and I've fallen almost flat because my mind has so many intersections. What is is going to be like when I'm "on my own"? (Yes, at this point you can begin singing the beautiful song from Les Mis, I'll join right in.)
Something that has struck me as interesting in my thought process is the idea of being "blessed." I have struggled a lot with that term recently because I just don't know what people mean when they say it, to be honest. Do I even know what I mean when I'm saying it?
Some Christians who came through my line at Food Lion this summer would quickly pass a tract to me and tell me to "have a blessed day;" I've seen people cry "God bless America" loudly on the streets of NYC; and "I am blessed" is a tune that we could all get stuck in our heads...but are these terms one and the same? Do we really know what we're throwing around?
The scriptures speak often of the Lord's chosen as a "blessed people," but I don't think that means he gives them whatever they want (and when they have what they want, they call themselves "blessed" as if they did something worthy of being blessed). [If you go to studylight.org and do a search on "blessed people" or "chosen people," you're likely to come up with many verses.] Basically, we're not worthy of being blessed ever, and that's why it's called a blessing--it's a special favor or act of mercy to us--those who deserve no mercy--those who are chosen, because we could not choose right on our own. [Grace is so beautiful--how could I ever forget that His goodness really makes no sense because it is so undeserved on our part?]
What I'm saying is that we should not say we're blessed just when everything is fancy dancy. Of course I know I'm blessed to have a job and a new apartment and supportive friends and family and church, but what about the believers and people everywhere who have no job, no home, no community, no food? Are they cursed because they did something to deserve wrath for the day? I would like to say no, because the Lord's ways are so much higher than mine. And when I think about all that I have right now--this job, etc.--I realize how undeserving that I am. I am not entitled to anything that I've been given, and it doesn't make sense why I've been given these things right now; but for some reason, I have. And I will use them for His glory. My own fame is worthless in the sight of the brightness of The Light of the Son. And so, I am blessed when I am flying high or in the depths of despair. It still doesn't make perfect sense to me, but it never ceases to make me see how deep/wide/beautiful the riches of His grace are, even when we don't feel outwardly "blessed." Because the gospel is not about comfort and worldly riches. If it were, there would be no grace at all because we would have no need of it. So thanks be to God for the glory in which he shows himself through grace--whether it be in our outward blessings or the beauty of knowing that a soul is rich in Jesus. What else have we need of?
Thus, I hope to be more careful in the way that I view a blessing, because I'm blessed in beauty or ashes. Still, my soul will seek Jesus. I need nothing more.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I have a Title.
Today is a day that I will never forget! I have been waiting in anxious anticipation for it, and quite honestly just wanted to get it over with because I had no clue what would hit me in the face today!
I had what I thought would be my "final interview" at Triton this morning, so when I (A) walked in, I am greeted by the principal (P) saying, "Are you ready to get started?" Let me just give you the conversation. The stuff in parenthesis is what my brain was saying inside my head:
P: Are you ready to get started?
A:(Started? What am I supposed to begin if I have no idea what it is?) Yeah, definitely!
P: Well, do you have any questions for me right now?
A: (Questions about what? Like "do I have the job?") I think the main thing would be I would just like to know what I'll be doing next so that I can get started on planning and everything! (Double meaning: either where I'll be school-wise or where I could be within THIS school-wise)
P: Alright, well I have you down for Freshman Seminar in the Fall for 3 blocks and then 4th block planning; then in the Spring you'll have planning 1st and 2 regular and 1 Honors English I.
A: Oh, wow! That sounds great! (Do I look super surprised or is this ridiculous grin just giving away my professionalism?)
P: Wonderful. So, I will send in for your contract and we'll be on our way! New teacher orientation will begin August eleventh and last three days, then the rest of the teachers come back the 17th. School starts the next week. Any other questions?
A: Do you have the curriculum for me to look over before the school year starts? (Wait, he didn't say "You're hired," but I'm pretty sure he just hired me. My name is on all of his charts. I'm an English teacher--it's official!!!)
P: Yes, I will walk you over to the lady who has those and she can make you some copies. Great to see you again!
And that was it. I had my job in my pocket (the whole time, it seems, doesn't it?). The crazy thing is, my summer was so forlorn at times and I felt as though nothing was going to come together for me at all. I had finally come to the point where I realized that if I didn't get a teaching position, I would have to be okay doing something else for a while, and things would work out in time. Many of my friends still do not have jobs, and I feel very honored to have this opportunity. It's all so surreal! I can't believe it happened in one day!
So here's what I think about this whole situation: if it were an easy summer and I had known the whole time that I had it in the bag and I didn't have to strive for my goal and search everywhere that I could for a position and be rejected a few times (all the while working at Food Lion which is just indescribable how much it makes me yearn to feel purpose in my work), I would not have appreciated this as much as I truly do right now. This job is a gift. My "birthday wish" ten days ago was to get a job. But on top of that silliness, I cried and prayed many a day and night this summer in expectation of what would occur in the end. I wanted to bring glory to the Lord in whatever work I ended up doing, and I didn't want to give up on what I thought he had gifted me in doing. So I pressed on.
This morning before my interview, I read a little in Isaiah when he says, "Here am I! send me" (6:8), and then I happened across 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." These verses were a perfect reminder of His grace in my life. I started my day saying "Lord, I'm yours. I do not know what's coming, but send me to do what you will have for me. My work thus far has been hard hard hard, but I will work for you. If it be teaching or something else, put me where you will." I'm not saying that the Lord will give you whatever you want on a given day, but if we realize that His grace is sufficient for each day, we also know that "sufficient for the day is its own trouble," (Mt. 6:34)and the Lord cares for His beloved. Not that I am in any way deserving of that, but because He is love, he loves me. I do not love, or serve, or teach, or do [anything] without Him. [Yes, I am screaming and singing halleloo, and you can too!]
So, I acquired my job and set off for home. I drove all the way down 421 to the exit to 40/85 and heard this strange noise. A car pulled up beside me and the driver started motioning to my back tire and mouthing, "IT's FLAT! YOUR TIRE!" So I pulled over. The car stopped a bit in front of me and a guy walked up with a bottle of air in a can or something crazy and pumped it up for me. He said the tire looked fine, I just needed to get the valve fixed. Wheew! I just had a flat not too long ago at the end of last semester, and now here's another! Well, I started driving again and realized that poof my jankety jank tire was down again, so I called home and sent Dad to the rescue. What a crazy end to a perfect day! I was feeling so good about myself, and then I sat in a hot car all sweaty in my pretty blouse and skirt till Dad came and helped me put the little donut on my back left wheel and we drove home.
When I arrived home, I walked into the living room to find streamers and a big "Congratulations Teacher Ab!" sign in yellow. Mom made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing (my favorite food, by the way!) and we all celebrated--complete with mint choc chip ice cream!
The next couple of weeks will be crazy--next week will be my final week at Food Lion, and then the first week of August my family is going down to AL/FL to visit "the cousins" (yay!). I will need to move to Harnett County that next weekend, because I start the 11th! That's less than 3 weeks away!
And thus, I have a title. I am officially an English Teacher at Triton High School. Go Hawks!
I had what I thought would be my "final interview" at Triton this morning, so when I (A) walked in, I am greeted by the principal (P) saying, "Are you ready to get started?" Let me just give you the conversation. The stuff in parenthesis is what my brain was saying inside my head:
P: Are you ready to get started?
A:(Started? What am I supposed to begin if I have no idea what it is?) Yeah, definitely!
P: Well, do you have any questions for me right now?
A: (Questions about what? Like "do I have the job?") I think the main thing would be I would just like to know what I'll be doing next so that I can get started on planning and everything! (Double meaning: either where I'll be school-wise or where I could be within THIS school-wise)
P: Alright, well I have you down for Freshman Seminar in the Fall for 3 blocks and then 4th block planning; then in the Spring you'll have planning 1st and 2 regular and 1 Honors English I.
A: Oh, wow! That sounds great! (Do I look super surprised or is this ridiculous grin just giving away my professionalism?)
P: Wonderful. So, I will send in for your contract and we'll be on our way! New teacher orientation will begin August eleventh and last three days, then the rest of the teachers come back the 17th. School starts the next week. Any other questions?
A: Do you have the curriculum for me to look over before the school year starts? (Wait, he didn't say "You're hired," but I'm pretty sure he just hired me. My name is on all of his charts. I'm an English teacher--it's official!!!)
P: Yes, I will walk you over to the lady who has those and she can make you some copies. Great to see you again!
And that was it. I had my job in my pocket (the whole time, it seems, doesn't it?). The crazy thing is, my summer was so forlorn at times and I felt as though nothing was going to come together for me at all. I had finally come to the point where I realized that if I didn't get a teaching position, I would have to be okay doing something else for a while, and things would work out in time. Many of my friends still do not have jobs, and I feel very honored to have this opportunity. It's all so surreal! I can't believe it happened in one day!
So here's what I think about this whole situation: if it were an easy summer and I had known the whole time that I had it in the bag and I didn't have to strive for my goal and search everywhere that I could for a position and be rejected a few times (all the while working at Food Lion which is just indescribable how much it makes me yearn to feel purpose in my work), I would not have appreciated this as much as I truly do right now. This job is a gift. My "birthday wish" ten days ago was to get a job. But on top of that silliness, I cried and prayed many a day and night this summer in expectation of what would occur in the end. I wanted to bring glory to the Lord in whatever work I ended up doing, and I didn't want to give up on what I thought he had gifted me in doing. So I pressed on.
This morning before my interview, I read a little in Isaiah when he says, "Here am I! send me" (6:8), and then I happened across 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." These verses were a perfect reminder of His grace in my life. I started my day saying "Lord, I'm yours. I do not know what's coming, but send me to do what you will have for me. My work thus far has been hard hard hard, but I will work for you. If it be teaching or something else, put me where you will." I'm not saying that the Lord will give you whatever you want on a given day, but if we realize that His grace is sufficient for each day, we also know that "sufficient for the day is its own trouble," (Mt. 6:34)and the Lord cares for His beloved. Not that I am in any way deserving of that, but because He is love, he loves me. I do not love, or serve, or teach, or do [anything] without Him. [Yes, I am screaming and singing halleloo, and you can too!]
So, I acquired my job and set off for home. I drove all the way down 421 to the exit to 40/85 and heard this strange noise. A car pulled up beside me and the driver started motioning to my back tire and mouthing, "IT's FLAT! YOUR TIRE!" So I pulled over. The car stopped a bit in front of me and a guy walked up with a bottle of air in a can or something crazy and pumped it up for me. He said the tire looked fine, I just needed to get the valve fixed. Wheew! I just had a flat not too long ago at the end of last semester, and now here's another! Well, I started driving again and realized that poof my jankety jank tire was down again, so I called home and sent Dad to the rescue. What a crazy end to a perfect day! I was feeling so good about myself, and then I sat in a hot car all sweaty in my pretty blouse and skirt till Dad came and helped me put the little donut on my back left wheel and we drove home.
When I arrived home, I walked into the living room to find streamers and a big "Congratulations Teacher Ab!" sign in yellow. Mom made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing (my favorite food, by the way!) and we all celebrated--complete with mint choc chip ice cream!
The next couple of weeks will be crazy--next week will be my final week at Food Lion, and then the first week of August my family is going down to AL/FL to visit "the cousins" (yay!). I will need to move to Harnett County that next weekend, because I start the 11th! That's less than 3 weeks away!
And thus, I have a title. I am officially an English Teacher at Triton High School. Go Hawks!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Grammar to the Glory of God
Soli Deo Gloria. If we as believers must truly desire to give glory to God in all aspects of life, then why should we forget what some would call "minute" details? Come along with me on this one; I think it might be an eye-opening Sunday afternoon drive.
I have been slowly chewing on the ideas in a book called Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. She bestows quite a hilarious approach to grammar and encourages the reader to "unleash your Inner Stickler" when it comes to grammatical atrocities. I have to admit, a little part of my heart dies every time I see any of the following (which is not an all-encompassing list, believe me):
The dog took it's bone to the grass.
You're sister is so sweet.
Him and I love going to the park.
The darker it gets, the more I love the star's.
But why do mistakes similar to these matter in the whole scheme of things? In an ever-changing world of texting/internet/twitter/facebook/etc. where fewer and fewer people know how to write or speak correctly, I must insist that grammar is an imperative aspect of taking hold of our postmodern (or post-postmodern) culture.
Anything goes! If it's right for you, then it's good; just don't hurt anyone else (or splice anyone's comma). I beg to differ. As Christians in this time, we are compelled to set ourselves apart as fellow sufferers for the gospel--and if the gospel permeates us, it envelopes everything in our lives and causes us to yearn to glorify God in all things. Thus, we must hold on to the knowledge that we know to be true, and realize that through it we might glorify the Lord as we "set the believers an example in SPEECH, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).
Think about the way that language affects us on a daily basis. If not for communication--in multiple aspects--we would not be able to share in conversation, write out our thoughts, discuss valid aspects of life, and the list goes on. Each culture shares its own language complete with expressions through words along with gestures. English has come a long way in the manner that it has adapted due to necessity with culture or simply adding new words because of the mixture of varying cultures. I am not against the morphing of language due to the increase of usable words (without this English might have been a dead language by now anyway); I am simply advocating for the correct usage of the grammar that is currently in place and its importance in our global society. [However, I will add that some of our current "new" words are less-than par: "pwned" and "noob"? I'll pass.] I will also point out the importance of grammar in the spread of the gospel as the scriptures have been translated to other languages because scholars have exhausted countless hours studying and converting words and syntax into the original tongue of other cultures so that Christ may be known. The same can be said about missionaries who study language to carry the gospel in word and deed...and how beautiful it is! If we have a lack of consistent communication in our own language, how are we to learn to share the gospel effectively to other peoples (or, even others in our own language)?
Thus, I leave you with this thought: how captivated are you by the glory of Christ and how he reveals himself even in the minute details? Have we slipped so far from the core of the gospel that we forget that the Lord does not neglect details? Of course I am not negating His grace and how powerful that is in our lives, but we are called to be holy--and that is a lofty calling. Today, pay attention to the details that come together to create a beautiful picture in the realm of the gospel. Do not neglect to glorify the Lord by holding onto the beauty that is in structure, just like he has patterned the universe.
So, "soli Deo gloria en grammaria"?
(Don't be alarmed; I made that up)
(P.S. A special thanks to my brother Joel for giving me the initiative to author this post!)
I have been slowly chewing on the ideas in a book called Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. She bestows quite a hilarious approach to grammar and encourages the reader to "unleash your Inner Stickler" when it comes to grammatical atrocities. I have to admit, a little part of my heart dies every time I see any of the following (which is not an all-encompassing list, believe me):
The dog took it's bone to the grass.
You're sister is so sweet.
Him and I love going to the park.
The darker it gets, the more I love the star's.
But why do mistakes similar to these matter in the whole scheme of things? In an ever-changing world of texting/internet/twitter/facebook/etc. where fewer and fewer people know how to write or speak correctly, I must insist that grammar is an imperative aspect of taking hold of our postmodern (or post-postmodern) culture.
Anything goes! If it's right for you, then it's good; just don't hurt anyone else (or splice anyone's comma). I beg to differ. As Christians in this time, we are compelled to set ourselves apart as fellow sufferers for the gospel--and if the gospel permeates us, it envelopes everything in our lives and causes us to yearn to glorify God in all things. Thus, we must hold on to the knowledge that we know to be true, and realize that through it we might glorify the Lord as we "set the believers an example in SPEECH, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).
Think about the way that language affects us on a daily basis. If not for communication--in multiple aspects--we would not be able to share in conversation, write out our thoughts, discuss valid aspects of life, and the list goes on. Each culture shares its own language complete with expressions through words along with gestures. English has come a long way in the manner that it has adapted due to necessity with culture or simply adding new words because of the mixture of varying cultures. I am not against the morphing of language due to the increase of usable words (without this English might have been a dead language by now anyway); I am simply advocating for the correct usage of the grammar that is currently in place and its importance in our global society. [However, I will add that some of our current "new" words are less-than par: "pwned" and "noob"? I'll pass.] I will also point out the importance of grammar in the spread of the gospel as the scriptures have been translated to other languages because scholars have exhausted countless hours studying and converting words and syntax into the original tongue of other cultures so that Christ may be known. The same can be said about missionaries who study language to carry the gospel in word and deed...and how beautiful it is! If we have a lack of consistent communication in our own language, how are we to learn to share the gospel effectively to other peoples (or, even others in our own language)?
Thus, I leave you with this thought: how captivated are you by the glory of Christ and how he reveals himself even in the minute details? Have we slipped so far from the core of the gospel that we forget that the Lord does not neglect details? Of course I am not negating His grace and how powerful that is in our lives, but we are called to be holy--and that is a lofty calling. Today, pay attention to the details that come together to create a beautiful picture in the realm of the gospel. Do not neglect to glorify the Lord by holding onto the beauty that is in structure, just like he has patterned the universe.
So, "soli Deo gloria en grammaria"?
(Don't be alarmed; I made that up)
(P.S. A special thanks to my brother Joel for giving me the initiative to author this post!)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The job search ensues (and other news)...
This morning, I had an interview at Western Harnett High School (in the boonies of Lillington, NC). Last night I could not sleep at all...I got so nervous for some reason! I don't know why, but this one just seemed really imperative to me and I kept thinking about all the questions and how I might respond honestly, clearly, and intelligently to each one. I wore my new black and white birthday skirt (which mom let me use even though my birthday is next week), my new turquoise ring from Cherokee, and my pearl necklace. Everything felt exactly right for me to walk in there and show them my love of teaching (but more so the students). When I arrived, I was greeted in the little board room by the principal, and assistant principal, and the chairlady of the English department. The interview went quite well, I must say. I felt very confident and comfortable with them, and I enjoyed gleaning from their insight as well as sharing some of my own experiences thus far. My roomie from Campbell's mom teaches there, so I was able to do a little name-dropping as well, which I was fo'sho' gonna do!
Last week, I interviewed with Dudley High in Greensboro, and at Wesleyan, where I went to High School. Both of those went okay, but I didn't hear anything back from either school, so I am assuming I didn't strike their fancy. But I am okay with that, because anywhere that I do not get a job offer is a door that the Lord is closing so that he will put me in the place exactly fit for me. I want my first year of teaching to be a great experience where I can learn and grow and really settle down and enjoy what I am doing. I want to be organized and involved in every way that I can without drowning...and that is exactly what I intend to do!
I am a teacher. I know in my little heart that if I were not a teacher deep down inside, then I would have no desire to teach; I would throw it all behind me and look for the quickest way outta this profession. But I simply cannot do that. There are days when it is and will be the longest and most frustrating job that I will ever encounter, but there are also moments when I will see the look in my students' eyes and understand why the Lord has placed me in this position. Yes, I will teach literature, but I will also teach applicable lessons about life. I will love my students even when they hate me. I have been reading The Freedom Writers Diary, and it's been very encouraging to see the way one teacher impacted her students' lives to spur on change in their community. I am learning from the way that she challenged each student individually and encouraged them to learn because she believed that they could. I will not give up on my students; I will expect the best from them, because I know that they can and will succeed.
Other than that, I went camping in the Smoky Mtns. this past weekend with my family and it was great! We hiked up to Mt. Laconte, an 11 mile round trip! My legs hated me, and I realized that chacos are not meant to take the place of hiking boots but I wore them anyway :o) I didn't shower for 4 days, and I enjoyed the beauty of creation.
And so, I look forward to what's coming in my life. I have no idea what the next moment brings, but I trust in the faithfulness of my savior. I will not get caught in moments of fear when I think I will be stuck at food lion forever. I will believe that the Lord's provision is sufficient for each day. And I will glorify and thank him for his mercy and grace that lasts beyond what my mind can comprehend.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Last week, I interviewed with Dudley High in Greensboro, and at Wesleyan, where I went to High School. Both of those went okay, but I didn't hear anything back from either school, so I am assuming I didn't strike their fancy. But I am okay with that, because anywhere that I do not get a job offer is a door that the Lord is closing so that he will put me in the place exactly fit for me. I want my first year of teaching to be a great experience where I can learn and grow and really settle down and enjoy what I am doing. I want to be organized and involved in every way that I can without drowning...and that is exactly what I intend to do!
I am a teacher. I know in my little heart that if I were not a teacher deep down inside, then I would have no desire to teach; I would throw it all behind me and look for the quickest way outta this profession. But I simply cannot do that. There are days when it is and will be the longest and most frustrating job that I will ever encounter, but there are also moments when I will see the look in my students' eyes and understand why the Lord has placed me in this position. Yes, I will teach literature, but I will also teach applicable lessons about life. I will love my students even when they hate me. I have been reading The Freedom Writers Diary, and it's been very encouraging to see the way one teacher impacted her students' lives to spur on change in their community. I am learning from the way that she challenged each student individually and encouraged them to learn because she believed that they could. I will not give up on my students; I will expect the best from them, because I know that they can and will succeed.
Other than that, I went camping in the Smoky Mtns. this past weekend with my family and it was great! We hiked up to Mt. Laconte, an 11 mile round trip! My legs hated me, and I realized that chacos are not meant to take the place of hiking boots but I wore them anyway :o) I didn't shower for 4 days, and I enjoyed the beauty of creation.
And so, I look forward to what's coming in my life. I have no idea what the next moment brings, but I trust in the faithfulness of my savior. I will not get caught in moments of fear when I think I will be stuck at food lion forever. I will believe that the Lord's provision is sufficient for each day. And I will glorify and thank him for his mercy and grace that lasts beyond what my mind can comprehend.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Future Hope
Some days I just don't have a clue what I'm thinking. Sometimes the Lord is so surprising. Well, all the time, actually. I trust His sovereignty, even when I am surrounded by a cloud of confusion and can't seem to see my next step. I fall on the arms of my beautiful savior who calls me beloved.
"Sing me a song, so I can close my eyes..." -Sandra McCracken
So, I don't have a whole lot of clarity in a few different things in my life, but I am willing to wait on the Lord. I must. He is so good.
"Sing me a song, so I can close my eyes..." -Sandra McCracken
So, I don't have a whole lot of clarity in a few different things in my life, but I am willing to wait on the Lord. I must. He is so good.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
News of the day
I would like to announce that I am writing a story, and I like it so far. I am not revealing it until it is complete, so I hope that you await it with anticipation, but don't wet your pants yet. It's gonna be good. I'll give you one sentence: "For some reason, 'Old Miss Mag' was a legend in town. Emmalyn had heard that her real name was Magnolia Taylor, but she hated her first name, and her last name was a constant reminder that she never married, so she didn't use either."
Ok, that's all I'm giving you for now...and it doesn't give much away, it's just to wet your appetite--I hope you're hungry. I'm hoping to finish it quickly...I was always afraid to write before because I thought I would find that I am no good at it. But I promise to attempt.
In other news, I had another meeting at Triton...I went there and talked to the principal a full FIVE minutes. It was ridiculous. He told me that he would like to have me...he's going to call my references soon and he will keep in touch and hopefully we can get this all straightened out in the next few weeks. There is still a hiring freeze, so not too much we can cut through there. But I was able to go spend time with my students and read The Odyssey...what fun! I really enjoyed being there for part of the day, and hopefully I can soon call it my home and have my own classroom there. It's where I want to be.
I'm going to start working at Food Lion again next week. Woowhee, here comes the summer. But I'm okay with that, it's a job and in my free time I can read and write and prepare for what's to come. Hopefully I can pull away some weekends for traveling to see the ones I love that are a bit far away..
Ok, that's all I'm giving you for now...and it doesn't give much away, it's just to wet your appetite--I hope you're hungry. I'm hoping to finish it quickly...I was always afraid to write before because I thought I would find that I am no good at it. But I promise to attempt.
In other news, I had another meeting at Triton...I went there and talked to the principal a full FIVE minutes. It was ridiculous. He told me that he would like to have me...he's going to call my references soon and he will keep in touch and hopefully we can get this all straightened out in the next few weeks. There is still a hiring freeze, so not too much we can cut through there. But I was able to go spend time with my students and read The Odyssey...what fun! I really enjoyed being there for part of the day, and hopefully I can soon call it my home and have my own classroom there. It's where I want to be.
I'm going to start working at Food Lion again next week. Woowhee, here comes the summer. But I'm okay with that, it's a job and in my free time I can read and write and prepare for what's to come. Hopefully I can pull away some weekends for traveling to see the ones I love that are a bit far away..
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